Learn to dare

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes” (Marcel Proust)

Indeed. Traveling opens your eyes. Traveling broadens your mind. Traveling can change your life in more way than you can imagine. Experiencing the Asian culture for four months makes me realize how true this sentence is. A pure coincidence brought me to Taiwan last semester for my exchange program. This isolated island beset by diplomatic conflicts seems not to have so much to offer. Cliché ! At that time I had a fairly strong fixed mindset. But I was going to discover that not only Taiwan had a lot of beautiful landscapes to explore but also Taiwan was going to offer me a lifetime experience I would remember for a long time. Discovering new traditions and customs, enjoying delicious food were part of the recipe. But the most important thing was about PEOPLE. People I met there. How inspiring they were. I learn from them to dare, to think that nothing is impossible and to never give up my dreams. Learning Chinese? Traveling to Japan? Starting a law degree? It was a step in my way to achieve the growth-mindset (my personal search of the Grail). Since then I have developed an irrational fascination for Asia and what surrounds it. Thus, it was all the more natural for me to go back to my roots and to interview someone that is actively supporting the development of this region.

“Security is not the meaning of my life. Great opportunities are worth the risk” (Shirley Hurstedler)

Let me introduce you Irene. She is 19 years old and the English-major student of the Central South University in Hunan Province (China). She has a bright future ahead of her. Like every other Chinese teenager of her age, Irene is a hardworking girl that gives a lot of importance to her studies. But she is not just a “thinking mind”. Behind her excellent academic record, she is also the local committee president of an association called AIESEC CSU. “What’s AIESEC?” I innocently asked. After a quick look at their website, I was surprised to see AIESEC was a huge platform for cultural exchanges, aiming at improving the relationship for youth among different nations and creating positive social impacts through their programs. “This is why we do what we do” Irene told me. Her role is to provide internship and volunteer opportunities for domestic and foreign students. This year she decides with her team to launch three volunteer projects: teaching children in poor areas to improve their education quality, protect rare animals and protect the environment to arouse people’s awareness. Being part of this association gives her a great sense of belonging and recognition. Volunteering brings her this opportunity to do something without asking or expecting anything in return, and most important of all, to do something she really wants to do: contribute to build a more peaceful world! “I really want this organization to continue providing opportunities for youth in Hunan province”.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps” (Confucius)

What strikes me the most about Irene is her ability to pursue her dreams, whatever the costs. We tend to forget it, but nothing should ever stop us from achieving our goals. This is the lesson I learn from my experience in Taiwan and from Irene. “I want to study abroad and travel around the world” she confessed. “Actually I especially want to go to India and Africa. I am fascinated by their special and attractive humanistic landscape characteristic. What’s more, I think the people there need more help. Also, I really want to join the United Nations in the future to help women and children in the world”. I have always asked myself tons of questions about my life, without ever finding the right answers. Guess I am too pragmatic. But reading her stories about her life projects reinforces my willingness to develop my potential and take risks.

Actually, we should all do it. Life is an experiment right?

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” (George Bernard Shaw)